Maharashtra’s Irrigation Department has ordered controlled releases from multiple reservoirs. This strategic operation aims to ensure flood buffer in the Bhima and Karha river basins as thousands of devotees congregate for the sacred procession. The Ujani Dam has been discharging water into the Bhima River, starting at 10,000 cusecs on Sunday, escalating to 20,000 cusecs by the afternoon and reaching 30,000 cusecs by Monday. The dam is operating at 77% of its 110.9 TMC capacity. This proactive release is intended to maintain reserve headroom, ensuring that sudden excess inflows from upstream heavy rainfall do not overwhelm downstream areas during the pilgrimage.
In parallel, Veer Dam has also been releasing water over the past two days, reinforcing the department’s flood mitigation strategy. Authorities promise to taper withdrawals if inflows decrease, forestalling unnecessary water loss while safeguarding urban and temple-town communities.
Nazare Dam in the Saswad‑Purandar region, now at 92% capacity, may soon discharge into the Karha river to prevent breach—signalling coordinated efforts across diverse catchments to manage high monsoon inflows.
Meanwhile, Pune’s Khadakwasla dam circle, comprising four reservoirs including Panshet and Varasgaon, holds around 10.7 TMC—markedly up from 3.5 TMC a year ago. Current discharge from Khadakwasla into the Mutha river persists, although moderated to approximately 684 cusecs, reflecting balanced management amid sustained rainfall in the catchments.
Officials in Pune, Satara and Solapur have issued public advisories, urging citizens to avoid riverbanks and remain alert during the pilgrimage. These coordinated safety measures, aligned with seasonal and cultural rhythms, illustrate a sensitive approach to monsoon-based urban risk.
This initiative underscores the imperative of eco-friendly, sustainable water management amid climate variability. By regulating reservoir levels ahead of high-risk events like Ashadhi Ekadashi, the state is demonstrating a gender-neutral and equitable strategy that prioritises human safety, cultural heritage and ecosystem resilience.
Still, the heightened dam releases spotlight competing demands—between conserving water for irrigation and drinking, and safeguarding pilgrimage zones. With reservoirs near full capacity, authorities must navigate this dilemma, especially if monsoon intensifies.
As the palkhis begin their sacred journey, the irrigation department’s foresight may spare Pandharpur from floods—but it hinges on vigilant monitoring and nimble operations. Balancing reservoir releases with downstream safety and long-term water security will define the success of this strategy.
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